Anahuac prepares for growth

ANAHUAC— There was much discussion on a variety of topics at the monthly city council meeting, many of which surround potential growth in and around the city.

Anahuac City Council held its regular monthly meeting on Monday, May 12, discussing continued projects, potential new projects, zoning and more.

Before getting into business, council members Janice Jircik and Kolby Chambliss swore the official oath of office and Sean Perry swore in the following day.

Jircik was also approved to serve as mayor pro tem for another one-year term.

A representative with LJA provided updates on the water treatment plant and sewer system improvement projects.

For the water treatment improvement project, flooring and electrical work are completed and crews began working on the walls.

The sewer system project is almost complete, but there is still work to be done with the paving and chemical storage rooms. A preliminary walk-through will be scheduled this month or next.

Another pay request was approved, totaling $89,320.18 for the work done in April.

Although no action was taken, there was some discussion on two potential subdivisions and whether or not the sewage plant could handle the growth, an item discussed at the previous regular meeting.

“I’m worried about that capacity,” City Administrator Kenneth Kathan said.

The first subdivision would be across from Fort Anahuac Park, consisting of 75 acres with 75 to 150 homes. The second subdivision would be dubbed the Lakes of Anahuac, which would be outside of city limits and could consist of 330 homes.

Trinity Bay Conservation District sent a letter to the developer saying the district could support the subdivision, according to Jon McEachern, engineer for the Lakes of Anahuac developer.

TBCD currently doesn’t have the piping infrastructure to support the Lakes of Anahuac subdivision. A contract between TBCD and the city would allow TBCD to use the city’s sewage plant with the city’s permission.

Council shared concern that their constituents would foot the bill for further upgrading the treatment plant, which would be needed to support the Lakes of Anahuac subdivision.

“We want help, but if y’all can’t, it’s okay. They have another route,” McEachern said, also sharing he understood that council was concerned for their residents.

McEachern said the developer would build their own treatment plant if needed.

Another item recently approved was the employee hiring policy, which was brought back at this meeting.

Jircik noted an advertisement for a job opening, so the item was brought back, with Jircik emphasizing transparency between council and city staff.

“If there’s something challenging in your department, tell us,” Jircik said.

Alderwoman Meredith Turner-Croyle reiterated the sentiment.

After some discussion, it was decided the policy wouldn’t change, but there would be more communication.

On setting the tax rate for the 2025-26 fiscal year, there was little discussion. It will likely be brought back in July or August.

Kathan said he will likely bring zoning issues back to the next meeting. Currently, he has been trying to cross-reference zoning with city ordinances, making modifications so the two match.